Cancel

Open app

Search

El Jalapeno

3.4 (158 reviews)
ModerateMexican
Open • 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

El Jalapeno Photos

EL JALAPENO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Loud
Good for groups
Good for kids

You might also consider

More like El Jalapeno

Recommended Reviews - El Jalapeno

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

These tacos have a pinch of meat for 4bux its a rip off the place across the street or the supermarket serv em better. Very disappointing
Joseph D.

This what 4 dollar tacos looks like.a pinch of meat & I didn't want chesse on them but retards blasting the music cant hear even after i told her twice. Very disappointing going to stick to Araujo's Mexican Grill off berryessa way better

Enchiladas Michocanas
Evangelina B.

It's really hard to find authentic enchiladas Michocanas but this place has them! My friends and I came in to take dinner to go. I ordered the enchiladas Michocanas with chicken but they ran out so gave my steak instead. We waited a long time for our food as I think the kitchen was backed up with orders. When we got our food my carne asada that came with my plate was ok, very chewy. Felt like it was sitting there for a awhile and not cooked fresh. My friend ordered a cheese quesadilla because she's vegetarian had chicken in her quesadilla. I think the lady who took our order had a hard time understanding everything we wanted as when I asked for a diet coke she kept giving me a regular one. I'll still come back, food was good.

Kimmie H.

Just discovered El Jalepeno located in eastside San Jose- Delicious miché and ceviche! Will be back to get my seafood fix

Trizzie P.

Yummy Super Michelada and great service. Family and kid friendly restaurant. I was craving Mexican and husband wanted a place that has Super Michelada and we got children. I Looked around on Yelp and found this restaurant and the pictures on here of the shirmp Michelada convinced us to go here. I cross the White and McKee intersection hundreds of times but never notice this hidden restaurant. It is located all the way inside the 7/11 plaza. We arrived around 7pm for dinner and from the parking view, the inside looked slow and I was getting worried. We were too hungry so we decided to just go in to give it a try. As we approached the store front and the door opened , I'm starting to see that the restaurant was 80% filled, people were having good time , and loud Mexican music was playing on the big screen. I was starting to feel more confident and relieved. Whew! We were seated immediately. Our waitress Stephanie greeted and made sure were comfortable with where we were sitting. She provided the menu and was very helpful when I asked her for recommendations. I was craving and hungry and wanted everything on the menu so it was good to have her narrow it down. I got the chicken Enchilada(choice of green or red sauce). I decided to go with the green sauce since Stephanie said that it was more spicy. The plate of food came out hot. I like. Beans were well blended with the cheese. Green sauce on top was on point. Enchilada itself were filled with good portion of shredded chicken inside. The salad was fresh and tasty with tomatoes and cilantro. I usually don't finish the salad but I did this time. Super Michelada were as delicious as they look from pictures I saw on Yelp. Shirmp were grilled perfectly and well seasoned. Definitely coming back here again when I'm craving for Mexican.

Isabel L.

Micheladas here are delicious. Whenever I come visit my friend in the South Bay, this is our spot always. It is close to her house so it works out perfect. Do keep in mind that if they aren't busy at around 8, they do close up. Yelp says they close at 9pm and I've mentioned this to them before and they have said they close at 8pm. I then drive by and its packed at around 8pm and they are still opened and are still taking orders. Aside from that, very nice friendly staff, seems family owned. I've had their tacos so far, since I'm such a taco person and they're good. The tacos are not dry but neither super greasy. They serve you chips and salsa on the house so that's a plus.

$8 for 2 baby tacos, burnt cheese, very little meat.
Garrett J.

Overpriced. Overcooked. Small portions. Bad service. Never again. Finished meal and was still very hungry afterwards.

Michelada
Ali M.

Cute little spot if you are in the mood for some good drinks and delicious dinner. My favorite things were the shrimp empanadas, they were amazing! I highly recommend. I also recommend the super micheladas. They place lots of grilled shrimp all around the rim and the flavor on the shrimp is so yummy. Other favorites were the asada tacos and the fried fish. Service was fast and friendly and the place was really clean. I can't wait to come back and try more things on the menu.

Phoebe T.

I really wanted to give this place more stars but after eating here I've been battling with a painful stomachache for the last day & a half. Came here on a Wednesday evening with my boyfriend for the first time, super excited because we had found a new spot that had chavelas/micheladas with shrimp. He ordered the super chabela, I had the regular michelada with shrimp... My michelada was super good & his was good but it tasted kinda weak compared to other spots we've been to. Food: the wet super burrito was delicious from what I had tried off my boyfriend's plate. I ordered the chicken enchiladas with red sauce & it was pretty solid as well. Everything was good except half way through dinner I started getting bad stomach pains after. Overall drinks are 4/5... Food 3/5 Stomachache over rules hence why I'm only giving this place 1 star.

Closed 8:30
Mellanie T.

I used to come here all the time! But service was too slow too many times and they always close early. (like the previous post) It's Saturday at 8:30 and was going to order my food to go but they are closed. Oh well.

Fish tacos
Ervin S.

Haven't been to this place in a while so stopped in for a early dinner with the wife we got a botana de camaron, fish tacos,asada tacos along with 2 chavelas to wash it all down with. Everything was great very flavorful and hit the spot I would only have liked to have more fish on the tacos but they were still extremely good and the shrimp I have yet to find a place that the shrimp are as good as this place definitely going to be coming back soon‼

Verde Enchiladas and Pollo Quesadilla.
Paraadice G.

I am 8 months pregnant and while I was eating a bug dropped from ceiling. I am so disgusted I don't even have the appetite. I'm so not satisfied I was not even done. I had more than half of my plate left. As you can see the bug I'm on the cup. It was just roaming around all over our table.

Cathy N.

My co worker took me to this spot that she likes. When we came in the waitress sat us down. We were browsing through the menu and we finally decided what we wanted. We got the Molcajete and shared. The service was not great. We have to go up to the register and ask her for a lot of things. She didn't even check up on us. They weren't busy and they had two people working. Food was alright.

Super Michelada.
Michael C.

Had the Super Michelada was great. Cheese enchiladas were good. Will be back soon. Waitress was hot. Great service.

Chavelas with shrimp!

See all

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Vee C.
16
57
22

4 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 5
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

3 years ago

The shrimp ceviche is the best!!!! We drive down from the eastbay just to have it and the shrimp micheladas.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Rod C.
157
98
18

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0
Photo of Ali M.
1155
263
2220

8 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Michael C.
156
296
116

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Mia R.
0
10
7

3 years ago

My go to spot for tacos de chorizo & tacos de pollo I loveee their food & service. 10/10 recommend forsure.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Best micheladas ever, highly recommended . It a really good price compared to other place

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Nachos were stale overprice tacos are small as hell and expensive never again! I haven't tried everything but that sucked.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Tina L.
140
676
1912

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Bruce R.
29
116
5

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Gus B.
0
16
11

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Vy H.
98
192
200

12 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ana V.
103
6
13

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Christina R.
129
142
73

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

12 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0

13 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 6
Oh no 0
Photo of Linda T.
33
81
3749

12 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Brian D.
1575
2376
2366

13 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 4

El Jalapeno Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - El Jalapeno

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Mexican 108,003 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Añejo Cantina & Kitchen

Añejo Cantina & Kitchen

4.4(515 reviews)
7.9 mi•West San Jose
•$$

We went yesterday March 15th, for my friends birthday, we had a group of 6 and tip is added at 20%…read moreon 6 or more people. I would suggest that the serve mention that when taking orders so we know. Just because it's at the very bottom of the menu I didn't notice it until I asked for a dessert menu. The food was so good! We had Mexican jambalaya, Carne asada plate, tacos Dorado, enchiladas with both sauces, parillada, enfrioladas (bean enchiladas) tacos de pescado, Don julio flight, multiple drinks and churros. The churros were really good although we wish there was a non filled ones too and to have the optionof if we wanted it dressed up because churros are already super sweet with the cinnamonand sugar dusted but caramel and whip cream was added along with a strawberry filling. We also ordered a tres leches cake but we didn't like the tres leches cake, it was too sweet, so sweet that we couldn't taste the filling which we assume was pineapple lol the color was yellow with pieces of fruit but we couldn't taste it. Overall the service was great and quick. I would definitely come back here.

Its nice to try and find new places to eat, my friend did the research and decided that this would…read morebe the place to try for our next get together. We met on Saturday for lunch. Plenty of parking available since the restaurant is in a strip mall. It wasn't too busy when we got there, but then it started picking up. There was only one server working and she was really hustling to meet everyone's needs. Plus, she was friendly. I had the carne asada burrito, it was good but nothing over the top that made it stand out. My friend had enchiladas with mole. We were most excited about dessert and decided to share the churros and Tres leches. It was a nice touch that the churros and Tres leches did not come plain, a little pizzazz since they were both served with berries, whipped cream, and a cajeta style sauce. Both of the desserts were so good and a perfect touch of sweetness.

Photos
Añejo Cantina & Kitchen - Red enchilada

Red enchilada

Añejo Cantina & Kitchen - Guacamole

Guacamole

Añejo Cantina & Kitchen - Our staff favorites!

See all

Our staff favorites!

Tulum Mexican Kitchen - Breakfast molcajete

Tulum Mexican Kitchen

3.8(466 reviews)
3.3 mi•Little Saigon, King and Story, East San Jose
•$$

Came yesterday for the first time & they had a DJ outside spinning good mixes…read more We went to the front & was seated right away. Our server was Sebastian & he was super friendly, attentive & recommended us the goods. My favorite here was their enchiladas - red & stuffed with chicken tinga. It also came with a side of rice & beans. The pickled red onions that came on top was delicious as well. My daughter even loved it & she's super picky about her onions. Drinks were good, the michelada with the shrimps - fire. Paloma - not that strong for the price you pay, but it was still alright. Guacamole - my kids loved Sebastian recommended us the coffee to-go, super flavorful Overall good vibes, great service, good food Will recommend.

I was really hoping this would be a good experience overall, but unfortunately it got REALLY…read moresketchy at the end. When we got the check, we almost didn't look closely--THANK GOD WE DID. They charged us for an adult Chicken and Waffles even though we sent it back and got the correct kids' portion I originally ordered. They also charged us for TWO molcajetes when only ONE came out. The check went from $265 to $200 after we caught everything. 1000000% they were hoping we wouldn't notice. I could believe it was an honest mistake if two molcajetes had come out, but they didn't. Since gratuity was already included, it really makes me wonder how many people have overpaid without realizing it. We came in with a group of 6. Everything was okay at first. We ordered chips with salsa and beans, and the beans were delicious, so we ordered a second round. At most restaurants, chips and salsa are free, so we assumed the same here. Unfortunately, we were never told the second round wasn't free, or that only one refill was included, and no one asked if we were okay with the additional charge. My dad and I shared the molcajete, which was pretty good, had enough meat, and was literally BOILING hot. My MIL and husband both ordered the Carne Asada plate. It was tasty but had really small portions, so we had to share our food with them to fill them up. My kids ordered French toast and chicken strips. They were originally supposed to get Chicken and Waffles, but they were out of waffles or couldn't make them--I'm not really sure. This is where the problems started. I specifically said KIDS chicken & waffles twice when ordering, but they brought out the adult size for my oldest, which was $8 more. Fine, we can call that an honest mistake, but then it was also charged on the final bill even after we sent it back. Unfortunately, after everything with the bill, we will NOT be going back here again.

Photos
Tulum Mexican Kitchen - Inside

Inside

Tulum Mexican Kitchen - Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Tulum Mexican Kitchen - Mini Birria Pambazo

See all

Mini Birria Pambazo

Copita Tequileria Y Comida - Sweet Corn Tacos ($22/4)

Copita Tequileria Y Comida

3.6(634 reviews)
5.9 mi•Broadway-Palmhaven, Willow Glen
•$$

There were plenty of tables available for a late lunch on a Saturday, and a good amount of parking…read morein the lot reserved for the restaurant. The staff were attentive, gave great menu recommendations, and constantly came by to refill our water. Very spacious dining room. We started with the Queso Fundido, served on a small hot plate with chilis, garlic, and oil on top. It's basically a block of cheese served with chips. Even with the hot plate, it didn't stay gooey for long, but it was a pretty good starter. The Coconut Campachano was creamy and refreshing. It also came with chips, though ours seemed like crumbs from the bottom of the barrel. We got the Trompo tacos and Sautéed Shrimp tacos. Both were tasty, and the tortillas seemed fresh. Decent food, great service, small portions, a bit expensive for what you get and that's before the 4% fee.

My wife and I were hungry and it was getting a little late, so we started driving around looking…read morefor somewhere new to try and ended up at Copita. My wife is Latina, so we're pretty familiar with authentic Latin/Mexican flavors, and from the moment we walked in, we were a little unsure of what to expect. We completely understand we're in Willow Glen and that Copita is going for a more upscale take, but for us, authenticity and flavor still have to be at the heart of the experience. Our waitress was very friendly and polite, and this review is absolutely not a reflection of her service. However, when we asked about the style of the food, there seemed to be a little hesitation in explaining it, which made us even more uncertain about what we had gotten ourselves into. I don't like bashing restaurants or their food, so I'll simply say that, unfortunately, the highlight of our meal was the chips and salsa. The cocktails, on the other hand, were good and definitely not shy on the alcohol! Also, don't expect large portions. The restaurant is clearly aiming for a more upscale presentation and experience, so the plates reflect that. Overall, Copita just wasn't for us. This was our first visit and unfortunately will probably be our last. I genuinely wish them success, but I think a few changes, especially when it comes to the flavors and authenticity of the food could make a big difference.

Photos
Copita Tequileria Y Comida - More upstairs dining

More upstairs dining

Copita Tequileria Y Comida - Rooftop Menu: Chicken Wings ($14)

Rooftop Menu: Chicken Wings ($14)

Copita Tequileria Y Comida - Complimentary Water ($0)

See all

Complimentary Water ($0)

Cali-Spartan Mexican Kitchen - Big Crispy Tacos

Cali-Spartan Mexican Kitchen

3.8(622 reviews)
8.9 mi•Alamitos, Almaden Valley
•$$

Just an update about this amazing place... May 2nd and…read moreOctober 2nd, 2026: I'm a Burrito Lover, and when done right, it is as happy as a perfect steak or gourmet meal, when you are in the mood for something specific. My order: Double Meat Carne Asada, no Cilantro. Extremely large and moist Burrito, just the right amount of cheese, rice and bean= not to much, and the wrapping is nice and this, hence allowing all the fantastic meat flavors. They also have an outdoor seating area now. Professional and clean + a bar for cocktails I would go here more frequently if I didn't live 30 min away (without traffic). Highly recommend this place

A cali-spartan Mexican kitchen review, in haiku form:…read moreFestive, fun decor. Best orange sauce in sj? LV watch yo back! Honestly I was going into this a bit skeptical because even tho La Vics isn't about that food the sauce is their saving grace, and when a friend said there's a spot with better orange sauce I rolled my eyes so hard. But damn, that smokey chipotle orange sauce may be the dragon slayer we didnt know we needed! Food came out super quick and the staff was super attentive without being overbearing. I tend to speak in hyperbole, but this place has a hold on me that I don't think I'll be able to break! Oh yeah also side note that mangonada lemonade is to die for

Photos
Cali-Spartan Mexican Kitchen - You can watch your favorite sport!

You can watch your favorite sport!

Cali-Spartan Mexican Kitchen - Birria Tacos

Birria Tacos

Cali-Spartan Mexican Kitchen - 3 crispy tacos

See all

3 crispy tacos

El Jalapeno - mexican - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...